Ian Finch: From Royal Marine to Indigenous Storyteller – Adventures Across the Yukon, Cherokee Trail, and Moose Country

From the Arctic’s brutal cold to the beating heart of Cherokee history, Ian Finch’s path has been anything but ordinary.

A Royal Marines Commando turned expedition guide, photographer, and storyteller, Ian’s work now bridges cultures, landscapes, and generations.

His journey began with a fishing rod on misty riverbanks and eventually led him across vast wildernesses—capturing not only epic landscapes but also the enduring spirit of indigenous peoples.

We explore Ian’s early influences, from muddy mornings with his father to his transformative military service, and follow his transition into adventure photography and guiding. His reflections on expeditions like the Cherokee Trail of Tears project and the ongoing Moose Tracks Underwater documentary reveal a layered story of resilience, cultural respect, and the wild pull of untamed lands.

Told around campfires, between stormy canoe crossings, and inside sacred ceremonies, Ian’s experiences are about more than adventure.

They remind us that true exploration is as much about listening as it is about venturing, and that wilderness and culture are inseparable.

This episode is an invitation—not just to admire wild landscapes from afar, but to engage with them thoughtfully, to be fully present, and to honor the stories they hold.

Watch To The Episode With Ian Finch

Listen To The Episode With Ian Finch

Key Episode Takeaways

  • Early roots – Fishing trips with his father sparked Ian’s first connection to nature.
  • Military resilience – Four formative years in the Royal Marines instilled skills that fuel his expeditions.
  • First creative breakthrough – A chance meeting at Kendal Mountain Festival launched his brand photography career.
  • Building trust with indigenous communities – Years of patient dialogue opened doors for respectful storytelling with the Cherokee Nation.
  • Environmental storytelling – Ian’s Moose Tracks project highlights the devastating impact of climate change on wildlife and indigenous traditions.

Memorable Quotes

  • “Adventure is brain presence.” – Ian’s belief that real adventure is found in immersion and simplicity.
  • “Sometimes you just have to circle the yurt.” – On overcoming imposter syndrome and seizing opportunities at Kendal Mountain Festival.
  • “Our input is limited. The most powerful thing we can do is listen.” – On respectfully sharing indigenous stories.
  • “Photography can put a plane of glass between you and the experience.” – On the importance of staying present during adventure.
  • “This is why I do what I do.” – On receiving heartfelt thanks from the Cherokee Nation after completing the Trail of Tears project.

Facts

  • The Trail of Tears – About 4,000 Cherokee perished during their forced relocation in 1838.
  • Moose populations – Northern Minnesota moose numbers have declined drastically in the last 15 years due to warming winters.
  • Winter ticks – Moose can carry tens of thousands of ticks, leading to life-threatening blood loss and stress.
  • Seth Moore – Lead biologist working with the Grand Portage Band of Chippewa on moose conservation.
  • Royal Marines Arctic Training – Ian completed extreme cold weather survival in Norway early in his military career.

Ideas

  • Building trust takes time. – Long-term respect and permission are key to working with indigenous groups.
  • Imposter syndrome never fully leaves. – Courage is not the absence of fear but acting despite it.
  • Microadventures are powerful too. – Adventure doesn’t have to be grand; a night under the stars close to home can be transformative.
  • Environmental and cultural survival are intertwined. – Conservation isn’t just about animals; it’s about people too.
  • Presence over perfection. – Sometimes the greatest stories are the ones you live, not the ones you document.

Call to Adventure

Ian challenges us to find adventure not in far-flung destinations but in immersive experiences close to home.

Choose a place—be it the Lake District, the Highlands, or your local woodland—leave your phone in your pack, and spend a few days moving slowly, cooking outdoors, and being fully present. Adventure is about presence, not distance.

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Pay It Forward

In memory of his friend Andy Jones, Ian recommends supporting Brain Tumor Research charities.

Donations help fund critical research and provide hope for families impacted by brain tumors. Ian also champions the Royal Marines Association and their work supporting veterans transitioning to civilian life.

References & Recommendations

Before You Go

Ian Finch’s stories remind us that adventure is not just about movement—it’s about meaning. It’s about asking better questions, listening more deeply, and moving with intention through the wild places of the world. Thanks for joining this journey. If Ian’s story moved you, help us share more adventures like this.

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